The competitor’s mobility, strength and coordination are assessed in order to establish their Classification Profile. Athletes are classified according to their disability across five grades, which determines the complexity of the tests which the riders perform. The grades range from Grade 1 which is for athletes whose impairment has the greatest impact on their ability to ride, through to Grade 5 for athletes whose impairment has the least impact on their ability to ride. 

Five grades of competition are offered.  Each grade reflects the rider’s physical ability:

Grade I - Walk only tests, and in Freestyle Tests may show lateral work.

Grade II - Walk and trot tests, and in Freestyle Tests may show lateral work.

Grade III - Walk and trot tests, and in Freestyle Tests may show canter and lateral work in walk and trot.

Grade IV - Walk, trot and canter tests and in Freestyle Tests may show lateral work and single flying changes.

Grade V - Walk, trot, canter and lateral work, and in Freestyle Tests may show canter half-pirourettes and 3 and 4 time flying changes.

Major events involve a Team test, Championship Test and Freestyle for all grades, these are scheduled over 3 days. There is now one Novice test for each grade that could be used in smaller competitions.